Pneumothorax in a Patient Posted for Cervical Spine Surgery

Abstract

ABSTRACT A 54-year-old female posted for cervical laminectomy was started on antihypertensive drugs on admission. Magnetic resonance imaging showed cervical degeneration with posterior disk herniation at C3—C4 and disk bulge at L5—S1. After attaching the monitors, patient was premedicated and anesthetized. During mask ventilation, abdomen gradually distended. After intubation under vision, reduced air entry on right side and increased resistance was felt during manual ventilation. Salbutamol puff was given through endotracheal tube. Still air entry remained decreased on right side. X-ray and C-arm showed right-sided pneumothorax. Inter-costal drainage (ICD) was inserted in right 5th intercostal space in midaxillary line. Post-ICD X-ray showed significant expansion of right lung. Patient was ventilated and extubated after 4 hours. Highresolution computerized tomography confirmed the diagnosis. Surgery was rescheduled. On the 8th day, patient developed purulent drainage through ICD in the ward. She was diagnosed to have pulmonary Koch's and was treated successfully. How to cite this article Dalvi NP, Virkar ND. Pneumothorax in a Patient Posted for Cervical Spine Surgery. Res Inno Anaesth 2016;1(1):32-34.